Factors affecting the knowledge levels of a group of university students about the protection ways against breast and testicle cancer

Abstract

This study was made as a descriptive study to determine the factors affecting the knowledge levels of a group of university students about the protection ways against breast and testicle cancer. The universe of the study was formed by 256 students who were getting education in a private college located in the Asian side of Istanbul and taking a selective health and life class in this institution. Before the selection of the sample the universe of the study was studied on, but due to the fact that some students did not want to participate in the study, 177 (%69.1) students were included in the study sample. Data were obtained by the demographic data survey and "breast and testicle cancer and protection ways survey". Study surveys were applied between February-May 2011 and verbal participation consent was taken from the students. Data were evaluated by percentage calculations, Kruskal Wallis test and t-test. %66.7 of the students were in the 18-20 age group and %53.7 of them were male. %95.5 of the students stated that they have heard of breast cancer before and %68.4 of them stated that they have heard of testicle cancer before. %24.9 of the students stated that they have a family member with breast cancer, %30.5 of them stated that they were informed about the breast self-examination (BSE) and testicle examination (TE) and %57.1 of them stated that they have no information about the application of BSE and TE. %74 of the students stated that they have never done BSE and TE before and %68.4 of them stated that they wanted to learn about BSE/TE. Breast and testicle cancer and protection ways survey mean score of the students was found as 38.08 +/- 19.97. There is statistically significant difference was found between the genders, having a family member with breast cancer status, being informed about BSE and TE status, doing BSE and TE status and the knowledge level mean score of the students (p<0.05).